content-left-bg.png
content-right-bg.png

Darling Downs South West region

WebPartZone1_1
PublishingPageContent

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Gateway to the Great South West

The Darling Downs South West region is an area on the western slope of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland and covers an impressive 480,000km2 of land.

Agriculture is one of the economic pillars of our region and compliments the energy, tourism, services, infrastructure, processing and m​anufacturing industries.

Toowoomba is the largest city in the region, which is approximately 90 minutes drive west of Brisbane. Quintessential country towns like Stanthorpe, Chinchilla, Dalby, Warwick, Kingaroy, Murgon, Oakey, Roma, Charleville and Goondiwindi are part of our diverse region, with lots of smaller towns branching off in all directions from these towns.

Queensland map with Darling Downs South West region highlighted. Roma and Toowoomba are included in this region.
Darling Downs South West region (JPG, 125​KB)

Darling Downs South West schools at a glance

The Darling Downs South West region currently has:

  • 37,849 students***
  • 4,217 teachers**
  • 146 primary schools*
  • 21 secondary schools*
  • 28 P–9/10/12 schools*
  • 2 special schools​
  • 1 school of distance education

* As at September 2023.
** As at September 2023.
*** As at September 2023​.

The Darling Downs is the heart of the South-East Queensland farming region and thanks to its elevated position, rich soil and open spaces together with long tradition of family farming and adoptive cultures, our region has something for everyone.

You can search our schools directory map for a list of the schools located in this region and their contact details.

Teaching and living in the region

As a place to teach, the Darling Downs South West region offers a desirable working and relaxed lifestyle conditions.

While living here, you’ll enjoy diverse climates, with cooler temperatures in the higher altitudes of Toowoomba and the Southern Downs, combined with the outback way of life. Singles and families are well-catered for with an affordable and community-oriented lifestyle with access to essential facilities and experiences for everyone.

Teaching in schools outside major cities and regional towns may mean you're eligible to receive additional rural and remote benefits​.

When you apply to teach with us, you will be asked to nominate where in the Darling Downs South West region you’d like to teach. Explore these 5 geographic locations below.

WebPartZone1_2
WebPartZone2_1
WebPartZone2_2
WebPartZone2_3
WebPartZone3_1
WebPartZone3_2
WebPartZone3_3
WebPartZone3_4
WebPartZone4_1

Teaching in rural and remote Darling Downs South West communities

There are many personal, professional and financial benefits you’ll discover when you teach in a rural or remote community. Not only is there a high demand for teachers in these communities, but there are also opportunities for professional development and career development.

If you accept a permanent or long-term temporary role in a location that requires you to move, we may help you with this, including reimbursement of some expenses.

In addition to your salary, you may also be eligible for additional financial benefits and in some locations, we offer subsidised rent.

Find out more on the rural and remote benefits page.

Professional development

When you teach in our region, you’ll have access to a number of professional development programs.

Apply to teach in Darling Downs South West region

If you'd like to teach in a Queensland state school, you’ll first need to submit an application for teacher employment. You can apply at any time.

To learn more about working in any part of the Darling Downs South West region, contact our Darling Downs South West team at DarlingDownsTeach@qed.qld.gov.au.

Apply now
WebPartZone5_1
WebPartZone5_2
WebPartZone7_1
WebPartZone7_2
WebPartZone8_1
WebPartZone8_2
Last updated 17 January 2024